Film processing apparatus



Oct. 22, 1957 P. D. DlGNAN FILM PROCESSING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 'dri inal Filed June 2, 1955 INVENTOR.

PATRICK D. DIGNAN Oct. 22, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed June 2. 1955 Il l ldl i mm w 8 mm 8 6 6 6 mm H W W I H H l MW I I M IHUWWI I W I W I IW WH H Uk 6 IN VHV TOR.

m N T m m D G A u% K m wm m new States ite FILM PRDCESSING APPARATUS Patrick D. Dignan, Van Nuys, Calif., assignor to Devel- O-Pill Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Claims. (Cl. 2712.2)

My invention relates to apparatus for processing film in strip form, and particularly to multiple processing of motion picture film in apparatus of small size.

This application is a division of my co-pending application entitled Film Processing Apparatus, filed June 2, 1955, Serial No. 512,697.

Color cinematography has become commonplace as compared to a decade ago when it first became a commercial reality. Processing may now be carried on independently rather than exclusively at the laboratory of the film manufacturer. However, apparatus for this art has been characteristically of large size, occupying considerable space in a room and often much space in several rooms. Such installations are unsuited for processing in temporary quarters, in vehicles, for occasional use in television stations, at isolated theatrical locations, or in the home or ofiice.

On the other hand, automatic apparatus operating on the continuous principle is required rather than single step devices with which a great amount of in-process manipulation is necessary. Particularly is this true when it is desired to develop film in transit in an airplane or other vehicle in order to save time in television newsreel work. Furthermore, the apparatus must be relatively simple and foolproof in operation and be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Consequently, an object of my invention is to provide a multiple processing apparatus for strip film of small size.

Another object is to provide an apparatus which is easily operated and which may be maintained by relatively unskilled personnel.

Another object is to eliminate the need for film leader for threading the apparatus.

Another object is to reduce the size and complexity of the film transport mechanism of processing apparatus by establishing a novel relation between that mechanism and the configuration of the several tanks through which the film is carried.

Another object is to provide a simple film transport mechanism.

Another object is to provide an apparatus capable of processing all types of color as well as black and white film.

Another object is to arrange a novel means for draining the apparatus of liquids.

Another object is to establish a high degree of correlation and/or coaction between related elements of the apparatus in order to achieve simplicity and small size.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed specification and upon examining the related drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a typical embodiment of my apparatus,

Fig. 2 shows a side elevation of the same, mostly in section to reveal the inner structure,

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the lid of the apparatus,

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged detail of my spined belt and ree an angle roller for opening the same in end elevation and partly in section,

Fig. 5 shows the same in front elevation,

Fig. 6 shows the same in side elevation, I

Fig. 7 shows an alternate tape and roller construction,

Fig. 8 shows a plan view of means for automatically emptying the apparatus of fluids in combination with a roller support,

Fig. 9 shows the same, in elevation, and

Fig. 10 shows an alternate partition structure in relation to the film rollers.

Proceeding with a simplified explanation of my invention, it will be noted in Fig. 1 that the individual serially disposed tanks required in considerable number for processing color motion picture film are formed in a two-group rectangular tank by liquid-tight partitions, preferably oblique to the sides of the rectangle. Coacting therewith by way of film transport are single driven rollers associated with each partition. Because of the obliquity, the rollers can and are aligned on a single drive shaft for each group of tanks, resulting in an important saving of space and a very simple film drive arrangement.

The top or lid to the several tank compartments is a single piece and accomplishes two related functions in use. It is provided with a number of ducts to convey processing liquids, usually wash water, to most of the compartments and also with downward rigid extensions having resilient plugs coacting with holes in the bottom of the tank structure so that removal of the top automatically empties the processor of fluids.

In all compartments used for rinsing the water is maintained at a uniform level because the discharge therefrom is to a common narrow tank lying between the groups of compartments and a single overflow outlet in the common tank. Because of the central position of this narrow tank all baths tend toward a uniform temperature.

In order that the apparatus may be used for various kinds of color film and for black and white processing, both negative and positive or reversal, wash water ducts and overflow holes to the narrow tank are provided to all compartments, save those used for developing, drying and similar universally employed functions. Ducts and holes not required are stopped by snap-expanding stoppers.

The film to be processed is carried through the apparatus in the grip of a spined flexible belt, the spines of which hold the film at the edges. In entering the apparatus the unprocessed reel is merely placed therein and the film started into the belt at a roller having a larger center than edge diameter. This roller distorts the belt so that the spines are further apart than normal. Upon the film and belt leaving the initial roller the film is firmly grasped by the spines of the belt throughout the whole path through the apparatus until a terminal roller is reached. This is similar to the initial roller and accomplishes disengagement of the film from the belt. A hook on the front end of the film coacts with a quasicentrifugal pin reel to accomplish automatic reeling of the fully processed film. V H 1 A typical use for this apparatus is for processing 16 mm. color motion picture film, but it will be appreciated that by providing appropriate solutions either .16 mm. black and white reversal film or negative or positive film may be processed. Eight millimeter film is, of course, in the form of two rows of exposures alonga 16 mm. width as it comes from the camera and is split down the center after processing. For 35 mm. film an embodiment about twice the size of that for the 8 and 16 mm. film is employed.

Although my apparatus is relatively light in weight of itself, it is not easily lifted when filled with processing solutions and wash water. It is for this reason that I employ resilient plugs attached to extensions from the top of the apparatus. When the top is merely unfastened (or removed), all liquids drain out through the wash water discharge. l

Fig. 1 shows the apparatus in plan with the top removed.

Numeral 1 indicates the main tank structure, preferably formed of a strong plastic, such as acrylic, polyester or Epon 828 resins. These casting type plastics should be reinforced with Fiberglas cloth or milled stock for added strength. The structure can be cast or made from laminatedsheets of the plastic, or in a compression type moulding machine using Bakelite. For plastics, a metal, plastic or plaster of Paris mould can be used. Plastic may be u'sed for a mould because when previously cast the material can withstand a higher temperature than required for the casting; i. e., 220 F. whereas only 110 F. is required in the moulding process. Since most of the individual tanks in the structure contain filni from which light should be excluded it is preferable that the plastic should be opaque. Suitable pigment, preferably black, may be added to the raw plastic or a transparent or translucent structure may be painted black with a paint, such as a lacquer, which bonds securely to the plastic. Of course, the tank structure may be fabricated of stainless steel, Monel metal, glass or other chemically inert material.

The distinguishing characteristic of my tank is the number of partitions disposed obliquely to the sides of the structure, such as partition 2, the first one encountered in tracing the film path through the several solutions. By

so orienting the partitions I am able to transfer the film from one processing tank to the next with only one roller, 3, and that roller aligned with all other drive rollers along a single drive shaft 4. The film path is formed between drive rollers such as 3 and 6 and intervening free rollers at the bottom of the tank compartments, such as rollers and 7. See both Figs. 1 and 2. A second series of partitions, identified by the first one, 8, is required because of the multiple processing needed for most film and particularly for color motion picture film. Thus, a second drive shaft 9 is provided and is driven from the first one by a pair of sprockets 10 and 11 with a link chain or link belt 12.' A positive drive is necessary in order that some degree of tension be maintained on the drive path.

The prime mover for the film drive is motor 13. This is of the usual relatively constant speed type, either an induction motor for 115 volt single phase alternating current or a shunt motor for 6, 12, .26 or 32 volt direct current operation depending upon what type automobile,

airplane or farm lighting system the apparatus is expected to be used with. A single D. C. motor having winding connections for 12 or 24 volts, nominal, is preferred for direct current operation. For a six volt automobile an additional battery is provided in series while for voltages in excess of 24 any increase in speed may be compensated for by adjustment of speed control lever 15 which effects a change of gear ratio in box 14 through shaft 16.

Slow speed pulley 17 on themotor gear box revolves at approximately eight revolutions per minute for color processing. For high speed black and white processing this speed may be as high as 24 revolutions per minute. Power is taken from pulley 17 by belt 18, or by an equivalent chain, link belt, etc. to an intermediate shaft 19 by pulley 20. Power is further conveyed from pulley 21 on shaft 19 to pulley 22 on drive shaft 4via belt 23. Both drive shafts 4 and 9 revolve counterclockwise when viewed from the right hand end of Figs. 1 and 2, looking toward the left.,

Top 24 functions to exclude light from the processing tan'k compartments and also to distribute wash water to 'severalof the compartments. SeeFigs. 2 and 3. A female hose coupling 25 is provided in the top for fastening a plastic garden hose or equivalent thereto and tank 35.

to a suitable faucet for providing wash water. The top is cast of plastic, either solid or hollow in such a manner that interior passages 26 are formed above the several compartments. In order that the wash water shall not splash into adjacent baths short lengths of plastic pipe, 27, are provided. The top is further provided with holes to all compartments requiring solutions or the introduction of chemicals. Light-tight snap-expanding stoppers, 28, such as those known as Snap-Tite, are provided for each hole.

Thumb screws 29 attach top 24 to the main tank structure 1; being screwed into threaded inserts in the latter.

Attention is now directed to the several extensions 30 extending from the top downwardly into each compartment. These serve the dual purpose of supporting the lower rollers, such as 5 and 7, Fig. 2, by means of brackets 32 and to position the bottom pliant closures 33 for the corresponding holes in the bottoms of the compartments. It will be seen that when the top is securely in place each compartment is liquid and light tight. Conversely, when the thumb screws 29 of the top are loosened and the top is allowed to be elevated slightly above its attached position the closures 33 will no longer make a liquid-tight seal with the corresponding orifices. This allows the solutions in the several compartments, indicated as at the same level 34, to pass out to the common drain This tank extends under the whole tank structure and has hose coupling 36 for attaching a hose to dispose of the solutions into a sink or elsewhere after these have been exhausted by the processing. Where supports for rollers are required but closures are not the extensions are modified to terminate above the bottom of the compartments as shown at 31.

During operation the drain tank serves as the exit channel for the wash water. This is accomplished through overflow tube '37, located in the common wash water tank 38. Tube 37 is fastened to the bottom 39 of the main structure, having a height equal to the level 34 of the liquid shown and an exit orifice into tank 35. Each compartment utilized for washing has one or more holes, such as 40 shown, which communicate to the elongated wash tank 38. The wash water flow from the intake 25 to the discharge 36 has thus been traced. Because of the general circulation of wash water through my apparatus the temperature of the several baths can be largely determined by the temperature of the wash water. This can be conveniently adjusted by connecting the input hose, connected at coupling 25, to a dual faucet which is supplied with both hot and cold water. By simply adjusting the ratio of hot to cold water the temperature can be adjusted.

The general operation of my apparatus will now be described for processing exposed color negative film to obtain one color positive therefrom, such as for Ansco color film.

The undeveloped color negative film, say 16 mm. motion picture film, is shown at 41 on reel 42 upon which it was transported from the camera. It is shown in a lighttight compartment having light-bafiies 43 and 44. A cover 45 (Fig. 1) with grooved ledge edge is provided on the side of the main structure to allow the film to be inserted. As inserted in the usual 16 mm. camera the first several turns are completely exposed in handling. Placing the reel in the processor does not expose any more film than was exposed when it was removed from the camera, thus the apparatus is of the daylight loading type.

The reel containing the film to be processed is placed on free-turning shaft 46 and the end of the film is provided with a small hook having its concave surface downward as the film approaches the initial roller 47. The hook is for automatic windup as will be explained later. The

- apparatus is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 as filled with film and conveys the film. In this way. the usual long leader is not required and the apparatus is self-threading. Wear and scratching on the film is likewise eliminated.

By referring to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 the manner in which the film 41 is engaged by the belt 48 is shown in detail. Roller 47 has a greater diameter at the center than at both edges. Belt 48 is flexible, being formed of rubber, synthetic rubber, plastisol vinyl or other flexible plastic inert to film processing solutions and relatively transparent or translucent. A continuous series of spines 49 are formed integral with the belt near each edge. The space between the two series is such that the 16 mm. film is tightly gripped therebetween when the belt is running flat, as at the top of Figs. 5 and 6. As will be seen in Fig. 4 and at the center of Figs. 5 and 6 the spines tilt away from the center of the belt when the latter runs over initial roller 47. This allows film brought into close proximity to the belt to enter between the series of spines and after passing the roller to have the spines grip the film. It is to be noted that when the film is introduced at the initial roller (Fig. 4) it inherently settles part way up the spines because of the distention of the center portion of the belt. Also, I prefer to reduce the cross-sectional dimension of each spine at the middle, as also detailed in Fig. 4 and in Fig. 6. This gives a desirable spacing of the film from the belt, insuring that solutions and re-exposure light shall reach both sides of the film. Additional rollers 50, 50, Fig. 6, may be employed to insure a constant attitude of the film entering the belt, as may a short piece of cellophane adhesive tape be used to guarantee attachment of the front end of the film to the belt.

The film and belt having been joined, both pass over roller 52 and into the first processing bath. This is contained in compartment 53 and is the first developer. This step requires the longest time and so is carried out by means of several loops of film up and down in the compartment. The direction of the film and belt must be altered 90 from the direction given by free roller 52. Thus, bottom roller 53B is on essentially a 45 angle. From this roller the film and belt pass up to the first driven roller 54. The threading is such in the apparatus that all rollers over which film is carried bear against the under side of the belt. This positions the spines radially outward from the rollers.

The belt andfilm leave the first bath by roller 3. This roller is above partition 2 and is positioned so that it is diagonally bisected by the partition as viewed in plan in Fig. 1. The belt thus leaves one bath and enters the next by having passed over only one roller, and that roller aligned with the general direction from one tank to the next rather than transverse thereto as has the prior art.

The next bath is a stop bath in which only a brief immersion is required, hence there is only one bottom roller and a single down and up path for the belt and film.

It is possible to place roller 5 further up the extension 30 to decrease the length of film in this compartment should it be desired to reduce the amount of film in the machine as a whole. Also, should less processing be desired the liquid level in the compartment may be reduced by simply providing less solution initially.

Roller 6 conveys the belt and film to the next bath, a hardener, in which one down and up pass provides sufiicient time.

The end compartment accomplishes the first wash and re-exposure. Top roller 55 introduces the film to this across-beam compartment in which it is conveyed across near the bottom by rollers 56 and 57. These are disposed at an angle to enhance the effect of re-exposure lamp 58 on the film. The light passes through transparent window 59, preferably heat absorbing, which is cemented or otherwise atfixed liquid-tight over a hole in partition 60. Piece 61 at the end of the main structure is removably fastened for replacement of the lamp. Suitable ventilation holes are provided therein and above in the main structure. These serve to indicate when the apparatus is turned on.

Both the end compartment and the lamp compartment are painted with a silver paint or equivalent in order that the light be reflected from all sides to the film. A light bafiie 107, attached to the top as shown in Fig. 3, telescopes with the adjacent partition in the tank structure to prevent re-exposure light from fogging the film in the fixer bath. As will be noted from the drawings, the compartment is filled with wash water. This accomplishes a washing while the second exposure takes place.

The belt and film start down the rear line of compartments by passing over roller 62 and into the color developer compartment 63. Here several upper and lower rollers cause considerable time to be spent in the color developer, after which the film passes over roller 64 and into a stop bath in compartment 65. After a single down and up pass therein the next bath is a hardener, in compartment 67, into which ingress is provided over roller 66. Similarly, over roller 68 the film is introduced to compartment 69, where it is washed. From there, over roller 70, it passes to a bleach in compartment 71, where two lower rollers and three upper rollers provide a longer stay than in the several prior baths.

Over roller 72 the film enters compartment 73, another wash. The color image is fixed in compartment 75 after passing over roller '74. Via roller 76 an extended wash is provided in compartment 77 by traverse over three bottom and four top rollers. From there an alcohol or other quick drying bath is provided via roller 78 in compartment 79, which is the last of the liquid-containing compartments.

The film and belt enter the drying compartment 81 over roller 80, in which the path crosses over to the forward row of compartments and a considerable drying time is obtained by utilizing ten rollers. As initially, the next to last roller 82B is oriented at an angle of 45 to the side of the main structure in order that the final film transporting roller 83, having a transverse rather than longitudinal axis, may be properly fed.

The drying process is hastened by a flow of warm dry air. Outside air is taken into the compartment of drive motor 13 through an air filter 84 shown dotted in Fig. 1. It is urged to the drying compartment by fan 85 attached to the high speed shaft of the motor. Electric heater 86 heats, thus reducing the relative humidity of the air and also further assists in drying the air by infra-red energy radiated through the opening directly adjacent in partition 87. Holes 88 for outlet of the air from the drying compartment are in the diagonally opposite wall.

The processed film is automatically wound on special reel 89. A plurality of radial slots 90 are formed with smooth edges in both sides of the reel. A smooth-surfaced cylindrical pin 91 is provided in each pair of oppo site slots. Large pulley 92 on intermediate shaft 19 and a considerably smaller pulley 93 on the shaft of reel 89 cause the latter to revolve sutficiently rapidly to throw pins 91 to the outer ends of the slots, at least after a particular slot has passed below the horizontal, as the identified slot 90. This calls for a speed of the order of revolutions per minute.

A terminal roller 94 is the same as the initial one 47, thus the processed film is disgorged from the spined belt at the terminal roller. A stripper 114 assists in this operation. Hook 95, originally attached to the front end of the film, engages pin 91 as soon as the kinematicsof the apparatus allows. Should one pin miss the hook the succeeding pin comes around very quickly relative to the film travel and the necessary catch is made. As soon as this occurs friction clutch 96, Fig. l, slips sufl'iciently to match the revolutions of reel 89 with the arrival of the processed film and to accommodatethe change in this ratio as the reel becomes filled with film and thus of larger radius.

It is now seen how I am able to thread film to be processed through the apparatus by merely starting the front end, provided with a simple hook, into the endless belt. it will be noted that because of the automaticwindup mechanism the apparatus does not need attention when once started and may continue to run for any interval after processing has been completed without losing threading of a leader, as in the prior art. Furthermore, an oversize windup reel is not required to accommodate the Whole length of the leader, thus reducing the size of my apparatus. These factors are important where my apparatus is expected to be used and with the type of supervision expected to be given to it, where the operator may properly have other concurrent duties.

The endless aspect of the belt is: seen by considering rollers 97 and 98 at the bottom of the reel housings, Fig. 2. 7 These rollers are narrow, being about 15 mm. wide for a 16 mm. apparatus. This allows the belt to pass thereover with the spines toward the rollers, these passing by on both sides of the rollers and acting as mobile guides to keep the belt properly aligned. Both rollers are spring loaded by springs 99 and 100. This serves the double function of keeping a proper tension on endless belt 48 and also to allow the top of the apparatus to be raised to discharge the liquid solutions Without requiring that the belt be removed from any roller.

Switch 101, Fig. 1, gives On-Off control of all electrical components of the apparatus. Thermometer 102, Fig. 2, indicates the temperature of the first developer and in general the temperature throughout the several solutions.

A reentrant ridge 103 around the main structure 1 mates with a corresponding groove in top 24 to give a light-tight joint. A narrow window 104, Fig. 1, allows visual access to the windup compartment so that the extent to which the film has been processed may be determined without removing cover 105 to that compartment. A thin layer of foam type rubber, Isocyanates, etc. 106 is cemented to the bottom surface of top 24 (Fig. 2) to further insure that the joint between the top and the main structure is light and liquid tight from compartment to compartment.

It is now evident how that the above-described film processing apparatus affords automatic operation for color film processing and yet is relatively simple in film drive, of small size and convenient in operation.

An alternate construction for the film-conveying belt and the several rollers over which it passes in the main portion of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 7 in an end-on view with respect to the belt. A rounded center web 109 is formed in the belt. This mates with a similarly formed groove 110 in roller 111. Two rows of spines 112 hold film 41 as before, although these splines are merely cylindrical. The spacing of the opposite rows is such that the film is embedded slightly in the flexible rubber. The advantage of this construction is saving of space, particularly along the axis of the roller.

Figs. 8 and 9 show a typical extension assembly in detail. Solid extension 30 may be cast monolithically with top 24, or it may be screwed or cemented thereinto. Closure 33 is formed of soft rubber or of an equivalent plastic such as plastisol. It is cemented into the concave end of extension 30. Toluene is a solvent for such plastics and thus may be used as a cement. Duco cement is also satisfactory. A portion of the bottom 39 of the main structure is shown in Fig. 9 to indicate the chamfered top 115 of the orifice used to insure a good liquid seal. Bracket 32 is attached to extension 30 by screws 116 or by a suitable metal to plastic cement such as Duco. This bracket is preferably made of spring material and of a thickness such that some degree of spring loading is exerted on belt 48 as it passes through each compartment of the apparatus.

Roller runs free on shaft 117, with anti-friction washers 118 or equivalent ball bearings being utilized. In certain compartments, such as 53, 63, 71, 77 and 81, the bracket takes an extended form in order to accommodate several rollers on an elongated shaft 117. Also, extensions 31 are used to fasten extended brackets but 8 do not have closures 33 since one orifice is adequate. I

Although oblique partitions such as 2 in Fig. 1 are to be preferred from the standpoint of ease in forming the main structure 1, an important alternate is shown in Fig. 10. Here a typical top roller, such as 6 shown or the equivalent 111 of Fig. 7, surmounts the partition as before with the axis aligned parallel to the sides of the main structure 1, but the partition is formed of three contiguous portions, i. e., portions disposed perpendicularly to side 1, 121 disposed parallel to that side and 122 disposed perpendicularly to the side of the wash discharge tank 38 which lies in the center of the structure of Fig. 1. Obviously, all the portions 1, 120, 121, 122, etc. are preferably cast monolithically as before, or are fabricated to be absolutely liquid-tight.

Certain alternate constructions are also possible in attaining the objects of my invention.

The overall structure may have more or fewer compartments.

By further application of the hollow passage construction exemplified by 26 in top 24 other separate hollow passages may be provided to supply developer, etc. to desired compartments rather than through individual holes 28. Other hollow passages may also be used for supplying concentrated solutions for replenishment while the apparatus is in operation.

Film may be transported through the machine over the rollers shown in the absence of the flexible belt 48 by resorting to the usual leader technique.

Infra-red sealed lamps may replace the electric air heater 86.

Should films other than color be processed certain solutions are either omitted or modified. For straight black and white negative or positive development the first compartment 53 contains developer, the next a stop bath, and the next fixer, all as before. The end compartment may also contain fixer, in which case the wash water inlets and outlets thereof are plugged with snap-expanding stoppers of the same type shown at 28 in Fig. 2. Thereafter, all compartments through 77 are provided with wash water and compartment 79 with alcohol for drying as before.

For black and white reversal development there are several possible arrangements of solutions. One is; develop in the first compartment as before, wash in the next, bleach in the third, wash and re-expose in the end tank as before, second develop in compartment 63, rinse in compartment 65, fix in compartment 67, wash in compartment 69 and those remaining until the alcohol is reached as originally set forth for the Ansco color film.

For other color films, such as Ektachrome, development is accomplished in the first compartment, washing in the second, hardening in the third, wash and re-expose in the end compartment, color develop in compartment 63, wash in compartment 65, clearing bath in compartment 67, rinse in compartment 69 and continue the processing as originally set forth for the Ansco color film.

While the exact size of a typical embodiment of my invention is not to be interpreted as restricting it, the 16 mm. color processing apparatus illustrated in the figures is only three feet long, less than nine inches wide and fourteen inches high. This substantiates the accomplishment of small size. For 35 mm. filrn the apparatus is 3 /2 feet long, 20 inches wide and 20 inches high. The larger size is required largely because more volume for processing solutions is required and also because of the greater width of the film. No other modifications are required for the 35 mm. apparatus from that shown save a wider spined belt and proportionate increases in motor size, shaft diameters, etc. as would be expected and as within the skill of one skilled in the art.

per compartment It will be understood that an electric timer may be used shut off the apparatus upon the completion of processing. Similarly, known accessories may be provided, such as a footage counter attached to the film drive, additional thermometers in other baths, a spirit level for leveling the apparatus, a water softener and/or filter attached to the wash water intake, or specific apparatus heating or refrigerating means.

Not only may the spines of the belt be thus described but also as flexible projections, and the top or lid to the apparatus as a cover.

Dimensions and numerous other structural details have been given in this specification in order to most fully teach how my invention may be practiced. Wide variations may be taken from the dimensions and changes in details, size and proportions made without departing from the spirit and domain of the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention and the manner in which it is to be practiced, I claim:

1. In an apparatus for fluid processing strip film the combination of a rectangular tank having plural liquidtight partitions, each said partition disposed at least in part other than perpendicular to the sides of said tank, a single roller adapted to convey said strip film from one side to the other of each said partition, said roller surmounting the part of said partition other than perpendicular, and a shaft parallel to the sides of said tank above said partitions, each said roller colinearly disposed along said shaft above one of said partitions.

2. In an apparatus for fluid processing motion picture film the combination of a rectangular tank having plural liquid-tight partitions, each said partition disposed obliquely to a side of said tank, a single roller adapted to convey said film from one side to the other of each said partition, and a shaft parallel to a side of said tank above said partitions, each said roller colinearly disposed along said shaft surmounting one of said partitions.

3. In an apparatus for fluid processing strip film having a multiplicity of tanks and one roller above and between each of said tanks, the combination of a continuous flexible belt for transporting said film through said apparatus having a row of flexible spines near each edge of said belt standing away from the same side of said belt, an initial roller, said initial roller having a larger diameter at the center than at the edges thereof, said belt passing over said initial roller with said spines away therefrom and flexing said belt to further separate the tops of said spines in the two rows for receiving said strip film therebetween for transport through said apparatus, and a terminal roller, said terminal roller similarly constructed and related to said belt for discharging said strip film after transport through said apparatus. 1

4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which the spines of said belt have a reduced cross-section at the middle of the length thereof to form a recess for holding said film.

5. In an apparatus for fluid processing strip film having plural driven rollers, a multiplicity of serially disposed tanks, and a continuous length of flexible belt for transporting said film through said apparatus having a row of flexible projections near each edge of one side of said belt, an automatic film windup assembly comprising; a windup reel having a hub, said reel having a plurality of oppositely aligned radial slots in each side thereof, a freefitted pin bridging from side to side of said reel in each pair of oppositely aligned slots, driving means to revolve said reel sufiiciently rapidly to urge said pins toward the outer ends of said slots, said driving means connected with means for driving said driven rollers, a clutch between said driving means and said reel, a terminal roller at the end of the series of said plural rollers, said terminal roller having a larger diameter at the center than at the edges, said belt passing over said terminal roller with said projections away therefrom to flex said belt to separate the tops of said rows of projections for discharging said strip film, said terminal roller mounted adjacent to said windup reel, a hook mounted on the leading end of said film with the open end of said hook toward said reel, the recited structure so related as to cause the hook to engage one of said pins as said means for driving said driven rollers brings said hook and one pin to proximity under the film discharging influence of said terminal roller, said reel thereafter revolving more slowly at a velocity determined by the motion of said film because of the functioning of said clutch, all said pins being brought to said hub by said film winding upon said reel, thereby allowing said reel to be wound full of film.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the windup reel driving means revolves said reel slowly and the recited structure is related to cause said pins to reach the outer ends of said slots by the force of gravity prior to the point of engagement of said hook with one of said pins.

7. In an apparatus for multiple processing motion picture film by passing said film through plural fluids contained in plural aligned tanks, the combination of a larger plurality than the prior pluralities of rollers for transporting said film through said fluids, each of said rollers having only one groove around the periphery thereof, less than half of said larger plurality of rollers colinearly attached to a shaft extending over said plural aligned tanks at the junction between successive tanks, and one flexible belt having two rows of flexible projections on one surface thereof spaced to hold said film between said rows by the edges of said film, said belt having a ridge on the surface opposite the surface having said flexible projections, said ridge conforming to the shape of .said groove in said rollers for restraining said belt in the path delineated by said rollers.

8. In an apparatus for processing motion picture film by passing the same through plural fluids contained in plural serially aligned tanks, the combination of a drive shaft disposed parallel to the alignment of said tanks and near the top thereof, said shaft having a greater plurality of rollers than the plurality of said tanks, further rollers within said tanks having shafts disposed parallel to said drive shaft, said rollers and said further rollers axially positioned to define a film path passing into and out of each of said tanks which avoids all sides of said tanks.

9. In an apparatus for processing motion picture film by passing said film through plural fluids contained in plural serially aligned tanks, the combination of an endless flexible belt for transporting said film, said belt havng two series of flexible projections on one side for boldmg said film therebetween, a plurality of rollers disposed both above and within said fluids constituting a path for conveying said film, said belt passing over said rollers with said projections away from said rollers, and other rollers, said other rollers disposed in the path of said belt along which film is not conveyed, said other rollers having reduced axial width and disposed in relation to sa d belt with said projections radially inward around said other rollers, said rollers within said fluids and said other rollers spring-loaded from the rest of the structure in the direction to maintain said belt taught.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 in which the belt has a ridge on the side opposite said projections and all said rollers save said other rollers have a circumferential groove of the same cross-sectional size and shape as said ridge for guiding said belt.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,785,890 Gilfillan Mar. 19, 1957 

